Jorge Lorenzo is to return to Assen. The Yamaha press office issued yet another press release today, announcing that the reigning world champion will fly from Barcelona to Groningen airport, just a few kilometers from Assen, at 3pm, and then return to the Assen circuit.

The press release states solely that he wishes to ‘spend the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend with his team,’ but there is no doubt in anybody’s mind that he intends to try to race on Saturday. Before he can do that, he will have to undergo a medical examination to see if his collarbone is strong enough. We will know tomorrow morning.

Lorenzo Returns to Assen Following Successful Surgery

Assen (The Netherlands), 28th June 2013

After completing successful surgery last night Jorge Lorenzo was assessed by the medical team in Barcelona this morning and declared fit to fly. As a result the World Champion has made the decision to return immediately to Assen to spend the remainder of the Grand Prix weekend with his team.

Lorenzo will leave from Barcelona at 3pm and arrive directly at Groningen airport.

Even if he can, the strategic decision is complex. Haven’t there been rumors that #99 is facing engine longevity/allotment issues? If he’s destined to start a late-season race from pit lane, after using his engine allotment, it may be better to sit this race out anyway.

His FP time has him in 12th on the grid. If he races, he’ll be back amongst riders he’s not seen all season. The choice also includes balancing the value of a few points for a mid-pack finish against the risk of being taken out by some overexcited CRT rider. Ironically, they say he won’t race if it’s wet. Those are the conditions where his fresh break is least likely to handicap him.

Still, a racer’s a racer. I don’t doubt that he can suck it up, do a few push-ups for the doctor, and be allowed to ride. As another commenter’s noted, it makes for good TV, if nothing else. And it shows that even in this era of TC and electronic rider aids, you’ve got to be well hard to compete for a world championship. Although I’ve not spent much time with him, I like Jorge a lot more than Pedrosa (who I’ve never met.) If he doesn’t race, I won’t mind. But if he does, I’ll like him a bit more.

Mark Gardiner

Slangbuster

There’s no doubt in my mind that he will at least try to race/ride. Having had broken collar bones and experiencing the pain involved, it’s difficult to imagine. Just riding would be off the chart let alone falling off. Having said that, “real” racers are a different breed so… we shall see. In any case, CHEERS! and all the best of luck to him.